TUSCALOOSA _ Former University of Alabama recruit Nick Bell, a Mississippi State defensive end who played in the first four games of this season, died from a brain tumor Tuesday. He was 20.

"Nick was a great friend and a great person," junior defensive end Marcell Dareus said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. I love his family and if there is anything I can do to help them out, I plan to be there for them.

"He was a great all-around guy and was someone I knew would be a good friend right off the bat. When we were both in Birmingham or when he was in Tuscaloosa, we would always hang out. He is a guy that everyone liked and you always felt comfortable around.

"Nick was just a great, down-home person that made everyone around him happy. He will be missed and I will always remember him as a great friend."

Bell finished his high school career at Jess Lanier after transferring from Minor. The Bulldogs are off this weekend and will visit Bryant-Denny Stadium on Nov. 13.

"This is a tragedy for Nick's family, our football program, our community and everyone who had the privilege to meet and be around Nick Bell," Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen said in a release. "Nick was a son and a brother to our football family and I know he will continue to look over us from heaven. Nick lived his life like a champion and will always be remembered in our hearts that way. During this impossible time, we pray for Nick's family and all those he has touched."

The MSU athletic department has established a memorial fund to assist the Bell family. Donations may be made through the Bulldog Club at 662-325-3074. Cards and message can also be sent to PO Box 5308, Mississippi State, MS, 39762.

Barron a Thorpe finalist

Junior safety Mark Barron was named a finalist for the Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation's top defensive back.

Barron lead the Crimson Tide in tackles with 52, 40 of which have been solo, to go with three tackles for a loss, two sacks, two hurries, eight passes defended, six broken up and a forced fumble. He has two interceptions after leading the Southeastern Conference last year with seven, when was named first-team All-SEC and third-team All-American by the Associated Press.

However, he's the only returning player from the two-deep depth chart.

"He means a lot (to us)," junior defensive back Phelon Jones said. "Mark is basically the brains of the secondary. If anyone doesn't know what to do or they come out in a formation we haven't practiced everyone will look to Mark. He tells us something to play and we'll correct it on the sideline if we have to."

Defensive lineman Kerry Murphy (knee soreness) was back working with the top unit during Tuesday's observation period after being limited on Monday. It should be noted, though, that both he and Damion Square could split time at end depending which LSU quarterback is in the game.

D.J. Fluker (groin) continued to work behind Alfred McCullough a right tackle.

Jones, an LSU transfer, worked a star in the dime package. DeQuan Menzie (groin) was limited during Alabama's open-date workouts last week.

Tide-bitsSophomore guard Barrett Jones on how practices are going: "So far so good. We felt like we had a really good day (Monday), and followed it with an all right day today. That's something that we have to focus on, setting the tone for the week to come. I thought we had a really good week of practices Tennessee week and three really good practices the bye week."

Barrett Jones on playing at LSU: "My freshman year I went down there and I don't have any proof to this but it was the loudest place I've heard, I think. Two years ago when they blocked that field goal to send it into overtime that was the loudest I've heard a stadium in my life. Also, when they do the 'Sun sets in the Western sky,' I think that's pretty cool. It's a great atmosphere. It's definitely a hostile environment and that's something they pride themselves in."